Packers QB Aaron Rodgers "wants fans to join players Thursday night, locking arms in the stands during the national anthem at Lambeau Field" before their game against the Bears, according to Ryan Wood of the GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE. Rodgers "asked fans to lock arms as a show of togetherness instead of division." The request "stemmed from what Rodgers called 'a fantastic meeting' among players, discussing a wide range of topics he chose to keep private." Rodgers said that the protest was "not intended to disrespect the military, but rather to stress unity." Wood notes it is "unclear how long the Packers will lock arms in unity during the national anthem" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 9/27). Rodgers also said that what the Packers are doing is "not a protest." Rodgers: "This is about equality. This is about unity and love and growing together as a society and starting a conversation around something that may be a little bit uncomfortable for people." ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky noted it is "likely that all Packers players -- even the ones who sat during the anthem on Sunday -- will participate Thursday" (ESPN.com, 9/26). ESPN's Max Kellerman said of Rodgers, "I'm glad to see him at long last accepting that responsibility as one of the faces of the league and a great quarterback -- and a white quarterback, by the way. I'm glad to see him doing it, and I hope it continues." ESPN’s Damien Woody: “My hat's off to Aaron Rodgers for being engaged in this topic. Aaron Rodgers is, to me, one of those quarterbacks who’s kind of bucking the trend. He's not falling in company line with a lot of quarterbacks around the National Football League" ("First Take," ESPN, 9/27).
